An instrument for curing light-curable compounds that includes at least one light-emitting element operable for emitting light in a band of wavelengths and is capable of curing a light-curable compound. A control circuit controls the operation of the light-emitting element. The control circuit is operable for providing a power signal to the light-emitting element at a steady state power level to drive the element to emit a steady state light output. The control circuit, while continuing with a power signal at the steady state power level, is further operable to provide temporary micro-pulses in the power signal to temporarily provide an increased power level to the light-emitting element above the steady state power level before returning to the steady state power level, to thereby increase the light output of the instrument while controlling heat generated thereby.
